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- Tasks: Assemble and repair oak whisky casks, ensuring quality and flavour development.
- Company: Prestigious brand in the global drinks industry with a focus on craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £22, with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Join a respected craft that directly influences whisky quality and character.
- Qualifications: Experience as a cooper or in cask repair, with knowledge of whisky maturation.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for skill development and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 22 £ per hour.
Our client is a prestigious brand within the global drinks industry. They have a unique opportunity for an experienced Cooper. This person is responsible for the construction, repair, maintenance, and inspection of wooden casks used in the maturation of whisky. This role is critical to ensuring the quality, longevity, and character of whisky, as casks have a significant influence on flavour development during aging.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble, repair, and refurbish oak whisky casks (including barrels, hogsheads, butts, and puncheons)
- De-rivet, re-rivet, shave, re-char, toast, and re-raise damaged or worn casks
- Inspect casks for leaks, structural integrity, and suitability for filling
- Replace hoops, heads, or staves as required
- Prepare casks for filling, storage, or transport
- Maintain accurate records of cask condition and repair work
- Operate cooperage tools and machinery safely (e.g. croze, jointer, hoop drivers)
- Work closely with warehouse and production teams to meet operational schedules
- Ensure all work meets quality standards and regulatory requirements
- Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations at all times
Skills & Competencies
- Strong practical woodworking and hand-tool skills
- Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Good understanding of oak, cask construction, and maturation processes
- Physical stamina and manual dexterity
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Commitment to quality, safety, and consistency
Qualifications & Experience
- Essential: Time-served cooper, or can demonstrable experience in cooperage/cask repair
- Understanding of whisky maturation and cask influence
- Experience working in a whisky distillery or bonded warehouse
- Knowledge of different cask types (ex-bourbon, sherry, wine, etc.)
Working Conditions
- Manual, physically demanding work
- Work in warehouses or cooperage environments (often noisy or dusty)
- May involve lifting heavy casks and working with fire/heat during charring
Why This Role Matters
The cooper plays a vital role in preserving the quality and consistency of whisky. Well-maintained casks directly influence flavour, aroma, and maturation, making this a highly respected and essential craft within the whisky industry.
This role is due to commence in the next 2 weeks. The contract is on a temporary basis expected to last a minimum of 6 months, but may be reviewed and extended. Hours will be 37 per week, over a dayshift pattern, Monday to Friday. Hourly rate £22 per hour.
Cooper employer: Total Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Total Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooper
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the whisky industry, attend events, and connect with other coopers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in cooperage, consider creating a portfolio showcasing your best work. Photos of casks you've repaired or built can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for skilled coopers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of whisky maturation and cask types. Being able to discuss how different casks influence flavour will show you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the craft.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your practical woodworking and hand-tool skills in your application. We want to see how your experience aligns with the craftsmanship needed for this role, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific about your time as a cooper or in cask repair. Mention any relevant work in whisky distilleries or bonded warehouses, as this will really catch our eye.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires excellent attention to detail, give examples of how you've maintained quality standards in your previous work. We love seeing candidates who take pride in their craft!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the whisky industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Total Recruitment
✨Know Your Casks
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different cask types and their influence on whisky maturation. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with various casks in the past and how that experience can benefit the company.
✨Show Off Your Craftsmanship
Bring along examples of your previous work or be prepared to talk about specific projects where you demonstrated your woodworking skills. Highlight your attention to detail and craftsmanship, as these are crucial for a cooper.
✨Safety First!
Make sure you understand health, safety, and environmental regulations related to cooperage. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety in your work environment, especially when operating tools and machinery.
✨Team Player with Independence
While you’ll need to show that you can work independently, it’s also important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate with warehouse and production teams. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in a team setting while managing your own tasks.
